Sunday, March 14, 2010

the Big "33"

We celebrated Darcy's birthday this weekend. His actual birthday was on Saturday, the 13th, but he had to work that night (school dance) so we began our celebration on Friday.

The kids worked really hard on Daddy's birthday banner a couple of days prior.

They were so proud of their final masterpiece.

And weren't able to keep the "secret" from Daddy...However, the big reveal wasn't until the morning of Daddy's birthday and boy was he surprised! ;)

Friday afternoon Darcy and I took some time to check out a few bike shops.

He has wanted a new road bike for a few years now. Late last spring he was about to purchase one when he made a difficult decision to wait. We talked and prayed about it, and decided that the money he had saved would be better spent on refinishing Grandpa and Grandma's basement. We knew then that it was only a matter of months before we would be living there and that his summer would be consumed with working on the basement rather than taking leisure rides or training for races on a new bike. Darcy loves to compete in triathalons and they just weren't fitting into his summer schedule with all the work that needed to be done to get our family ready for the move. Darcy is a man of few needs and never asks for much. I know this was a sacrifice for him and my heart hurt knowing that the right answer to a bike at that time was "no." I thank him for that. ***(Ironically, the night of Darcy's bday this year, I was flipping through my old prayer journal and came across this very prayer and concern of my heart from last spring. How neat to see how God worked through this and has blessed us through this season.)

Last year I reassured Darcy that although the timing wasn't right for a new bike then, there was no reason why we couldn't begin saving for a bike for the near future. And that is exactly what we have done. So, this year we (I) decided that it would be the perfect birthday/father's day gift (and I wasn't taking no for an answer). Darcy has been online researching bikes for months. He knew exactly what he was looking for. Friday was a fun day of bike browsing and test riding.

And later Friday night we had a scrumptious dinner out with our good friends, Dana and Dennis, at Mongolian BBQ. Darcy made the mistake of declaring that he would not be wearing one of those silly foil hats and made us vow not to tell any of the staff that it was his birthday. Unfortunately for him, the manager overheard him say this as we were sitting down at our table. Moments later he showed up with this tin-horned treasure and placed it gently upon Darcy's not-so-thrilled head.

After dinner we caught a show at Partridge Creek...

(I must say it's more fun at MJR...gotta go where the good times are!)

Early Saturday morning we got up and hung our birthday banner and decorated the house for daddy.

The kids put out their handmade cards (brooke's is her and daddy on a date. bray's is he and daddy riding bikes together--in spirit of the b-day gift). After daddy woke they hung out with him for a bit while mommy fixed breakfast.

After breakfast I convinced Darcy to try a 15 minute ab workout DVD with me.

Brayden snapped this shot. I must say I held my own and kicked darcy's butt on this one. I guess 2 c-sections hasn't completely destroyed the muscles somewhere beneath all the flesh!

The kids have Saturday classes (Bray- a Lego-building one, and Brooke a Princess one) through the community schools. Once they were off, Darcy and I got ready to go make our official bike purchase. After I showered I came downstairs and he said, "Wow, we are both wearing white shirts, jeans and hats." And of course I exclaimed "We are two-two twins!!!" I told him I should go back upstairs to put on my army-camo hat and then we'd really match, but had second thoughts after he said, "You are such a dork...Now that would just be weird."

(OK babe...it's your birthday, you pull rank this time)

After much deliberation between two different bikes at two different bike shops...Darcy made a decision and we bought his first road bike! It was very exciting and my heart was tickled to see him so happy. We laughed and smiled the whole way home. I guess things seem quite a bit sweeter when you have to work and wait for them. Patience yields much joy in the long awaited reward.

This was one happy man...

getting one much deserved gift.

Such a blessing for us both.

Later Saturday evening we enjoyed a fabulous lasagna dinner. There is nothing like Papa's homemade lasagna...we never decline this meal!

And after dinner we had birthday cake (the kids placed the candles on the cake...can you tell?)

Butterscotch cake is Darcy's favorite...his request each birthday. It is by far one of the easiest most delicious cakes to bake. (and oh so good cold the next day...and the day after that!)

After cake the kids and I put on a little song and dance show for daddy

(brayden's idea from days before)

and the kids attempted a little puppet show for dad

Overall, we had a wonderful birthday weekend celebrating a well-loved man.